triumphs
[Top] [All Lists]

Re: Engine conversions

To: Roger Swafford <gizmo@wcic.org>
Subject: Re: Engine conversions
From: msecres@ibm.net
Date: Sun, 07 Dec 1997 01:54:12 -0800
Cc: triumphs@Autox.Team.Net
References: <199712060603.BAA04697@wcic.org>
Roger Swafford wrote:
> 
> I have a '70 Spitfire MK III that I acquired about 3 years ago, after
> almost an entire summer of work I had it running for just a few weeks. The
> carb has given me nightmares. The little 1.3L with 4 speed is in
> short....anemic. The car was butchered up pretty badly by a prior owner
> so....I would like to do an engine and trans conversion.
> 
> Any suggestions? I'm considering a 2.8L Chevy V6 with a 5 speed from an S10
> or Blazer.
> 
> Am I nuts....yeah probably, but I really like the style of the little tub.
> 
> Roger Swafford
> Lafayette, IN
> gizmo@wcic.org

Roger ... here's something else to think about.  

1)  Dual SU carbs.
2)  Header + free flow exhaust.
3)  Panasport wheels.

The carbs and exhaust could add 20 hp, and the wheels will knock off about 50 
pounds of 
unsprung weight.  Depending on the deals you find (read: used carbs and 
wheels), you 
could do it all for about a grand, keep the originality, and not lose your mind 
trying 
to adapt an engine for which you would also have to upgrade the brakes and 
suspension. 
(That's the stuff the Spit-6 people go through -- and I suspect it shortens 
their lives 
just a touch.)

  For what it's worth, a lot of people really like the 1296  -- because it's 
sturdy and 
it can rev.

--
Martin Secrest
73 GT6
74 Spitfire

<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>